Roads and Stormwater

The District of Sooke manages more than 100 kilometres of local roads and an extensive network of stormwater ditches, culverts, and drains. These systems keep our community connected and our neighbourhoods safe during all seasons.

Our work focuses on two key areas:

• Operations: year-round maintenance and repairs that keep roads and drainage systems in working order.
• Capital improvements: larger, planned projects that upgrade or expand infrastructure to meet community needs and support complete streets.

Who’s Responsible for What

Our Approach to Maintenance (Operations)

Ongoing maintenance is how we extend the life of Sooke’s roads and stormwater systems, reduce costly repairs, and provide reliable service for residents.

In Sooke, this work is delivered through a competitively procured service contract rather than an internal public works department.

This approach allows the District to:

• Access specialized equipment and expertise as needed,
• Scale service levels to meet seasonal demands, and
• Achieve cost efficiencies that maximize value for taxpayers.

Typical maintenance work includes:

• Pothole and surface repairs
• Brushing and vegetation control to maintain clear sightlines
• Gravel road grading
• Ditch and culvert cleaning
• Line painting and street sweeping
• Snow and ice control during winter weather

Each year, crews complete hundreds of service requests across Sooke. Residents play an essential role in helping us stay responsive by reporting concerns early.

We rely on residents to be our eyes and ears in the community - reporting potholes, blocked drains, or other issues helps us respond faster, plan better, and ensure the best use of public funds.

For updates on upcoming road work or maintenance that may affect travel, visit our Traffic Advisories page.

Resources:

• Learn more about Road Maintenance
• Submit a Service Request
• View Traffic Advisories

Planning for the Future (Capital Projects)

While daily operations keep Sooke moving today, capital projects prepare us for tomorrow.
Through the Transportation Master Plan (TMP), Council prioritizes projects that:

• Improve multi-modal transportation options and traffic flow
• Upgrade stormwater systems to prevent flooding
• Support public transit infrastructure

These larger projects are often delivered in phases and funded through a mix of tax dollars, development contributions, and government grants. 

Resources:

• Learn about the Transportation Master Plan Implementation
• Explore How We Move - and learn more about Sooke's complete streets vision, a long-term effort to support how people drive, walk, role and take transit to, from and around Sooke.

Stormwater Management

Stormwater—the rain or melted snow that runs off roofs, roads, and driveways—must be carefully managed to prevent flooding and protect Sooke’s natural environment.

The District’s stormwater network includes:

• Ditches and culverts that guide water away from roads and properties
• Catch basins that help filter and direct runoff
• Natural watercourses that slow and clean stormwater before it enters local streams and the harbour

Crews clean and inspect these systems regularly, especially before heavy rainfall. You can help by keeping nearby drains clear of leaves and debris and never dumping yard waste or pollutants into ditches.